“We play for each other and for the love of the game,” All Saints senior Nick Hunter said. “It can get tough when we get way behind in a game. But we encourage each other, we stay motivated and stay positive. That’s how we try to start every day. Otherwise you have no chance.”

All Saints (0-7) prepares to fight the good fight – and to make another bid for that long-awaited win – when it hosts Ubly (1-6) at 7 p.m. Friday in the MLive Bay City Game of the Week.

After closing the 2011 season with two straight losses, going winless throughout 2012 and starting the 2013 campaign with six straight defeats, the Cougars suffered another low last week. With just 13 players healthy enough to suit up – and many of them banged up as well – coaches and administrators decided to forfeit the Week 7 game to Cass City.

“A lot of kids understood it completely and a few wanted more explanation – and rightfully so,” said first-year coach Joe Willey. “These are young men who only get so many opportunities to do this. But, at the end of the day, they all saw the big picture.

“They didn’t all like it, but now they see that we have a chance to play our last two games with confidence.”

Now back near full strength – and bolstered by the addition of the entire JV team after Ubly canceled that game under similar circumstances – All Saints is hoping its Senior Night game brings a corner-turning moment for the once-mighty program.

“It would mean everything,” said Hunter, who plays wide receiver and cornerback. “After not winning for so long, to finally break through would be a big reward for all our hard work.”

It won’t come easy. While Ubly sits at one win, the Bearcats bring a long-running tradition of success. This marks the first time since 2000 the squad won’t qualify for the playoffs. As a member of the Greater Thumb East, the Bearcats – much like All Saints – have run up against stiff competition each and every week, escalating the rebuilding process.

“Ubly is going to be physical,” Willey said. “They’re larger in size than we are and their power running game is going to be difficult. They’re not your normal 1-6 team.”

Of course, after going winless since beating Mayville on Oct. 7, 2011, the Cougars understand that nothing comes easy. They’ve been outscored 283-34 this season and have managed more than one touchdown just three times during their 18-game slide.

But none of that means they won’t be battling to the end in the Game of the Week.

“We try to keep it in perspective what we’re playing for,” said Willey, the former Bay City Western assistant. “For our seniors, this is the last time they’re going to step on that field and play in front of our fans. Combine that with the streak – and that is what it is – and it all adds to the hunger and desire to get a win. It’s there, it’s in front of us. Now we have to make it happen.”

Ubly (1-6) at Bay City All Saints (0-7)

Kickoff: 7 p.m. Friday, St. Stans Field

The Lowdown: One week after forfeiting due to lack of healthy bodies, All Saints is gunning for the win that would snap its 18-game losing streak. In their homefield finale, the Cougars are optimistic about facing a team that has endured similar battles. After 12 straight playoff berths, Ubly has beaten only Memphis this season.

Key Matchup: The Ubly defense has allowed nearly 40 points per game while the All Saints offense has managed just 5.7 points per outing. “If our interior five can give (quarterback) Tyler Neering some time, you might see the kind of offense we’ve been working toward all season,” All Saints coach Joe Willey said citing linemen Hayden Clements, Zach Goik, Jeff Lentz, Adam Butch and Nick Ratajczak as the keys.